Calls for Maori flag in schools

Te Ata Tino Toa, the organisation that campaigned to have the Maori flag flown from the Auckland Harbour Bridge, now wants to see it fluttering above all public schools.

Spokeswoman Te Ao Pritchard said she was sure that Education Minister Hekia Parata would welcome the idea, given that it tied in closely with the educational values she promoted, namely that it would help schools engage with Maori, promote Maori language and culture, and would follow best practice in other countries, including Australia. "We think it would be great for our tamariki to walk into school in the morning and see the Maori flag flying side by side with other flags. It will be a small but significant boost for them," Ms Pritchard said.

"Flying the Maori flag at our public schools will improve the Government position on the flag by flying it all year."

Te Ata Tino Toa congratulated schools that were already flying the flag, along with organisations such as Archives NZ, the Museum of Wellington, kura kaupapa Maori in Auckland and the University of Auckland marae.